As the capital city of the largest island in the Mediterranean, Palermo is a fabulously vibrant place to visit as a tourist. The city itself has something of a split personality - its culture and heritage embrace both western and eastern ideologies. This is evident in the food, the architecture, and the attitude of the people, making for a colourful, fascinating trip.
Urban pursuits
There’s much to recommend a stay in Palermo but if you’re feeling peckish, make sure you pay a visit to the Mercato di Ballaro. This super busy street market is a real melting pot for all the area’s best food producers. Stock up on delicious local cheeses, succulent olives, cured meats and more.
Palermo is also home to Italy’s largest opera house, the neoclassical Teatro Massimo, which has been staging large-scale shows for over 1,000 people since 1897. The theatre took 20 years to construct, and you can take a guided tour to learn all about this beautiful building. If you’re wanting to experience more of the theatre, check what shows are on while you’re in Palermo.
Once you’re done taking in the incredible theatre, head to the city’s 12th century cathedral. Marvel at the different architectural styles as you walk around the building and view the royal tombs which are housed inside.
If you’re looking for a lighter pastime, the Opera dei Pupi, a traditional puppet theatre, may be to your taste. Telling local stories through the medium of puppetry is a key tradition across the island of Sicily and this one is great for kids and adults alike.
Sea and sand
Car hire from Palermo opens up a wealth of sightseeing opportunities across Sicily, but it also gives you access to a fantastic array of beaches, coves and harbours across the island.
One of the best-known beaches is Mondello, which is around a 30 minute drive from the centre of Palermo. This crescent-shaped beach is nestled between two cliffs and boasts sugar-soft, pale gold sand and shallow waters.
Island life
Sicily, in its place at the toe of Italy’s kicking boot, packs a lot of landscape into one island. Mount Etna sleeps to the east, the awe-inspiring Nebrodi mountains are a little further north, the lowlands to the west are strewn with wild flower meadows and migratory birds, and the aquamarine sea washes all about, holding Sicily in its romantic embrace.
And that’s to say nothing of the Golfo di Castellammare - your view should you arrive via Palermo Airport will be of this seemingly endless sandy promontory, lapped as it is by gentle waters. Driving through this incredible and changeable landscape is a joy for tourists and one to relish at every turn.